Diamond Learning Guide

Cut

Illustration of carat weight
Most gemologists will agree that, of all the four C's, cut is the most important. The cut of a diamond influences the way it reflects light, which in turn determines its brilliance. Even a diamond with perfect color and clarity may appear lifeless if it does not have a good cut.

In a well-cut diamond, light enters the stone and is reflected around the mirror-like facets before exiting through the top, or table. This careful orchestration of the movement of light inside the stone and back to the eye is what causes the fiery sparkle we recognize as brilliance. A skilled professional can maximize this effect by cutting a diamond to very precise proportions. Too shallow a cut will allow light to escape through the bottom of the stone, causing it to look dull. Too deep a cut will cause light to be lost through the diamond's sides, making it appear dark.

Depth is not the only important factor; other angles and proportions matter as well. In fact diamond cutters now use sophisticated computer modeling tools to give them a full picture of how light will behave inside a stone, allowing them to adjust proportions to optimize a diamond's brilliance, as well as its brightness, scintillation, and fire, the qualities known collectively as the diamond's "face-up appearance."

Some round diamonds come with certifications that supply their cut grade. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) ranks diamonds as Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair. The AGS (American Gem Society) ranks them as Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair. Amazon represents both Round GIA "Excellent cut" diamonds and Round AGS "Ideal cut" diamonds as "Ideal" on our site, since these two terms both refer to the highest quality of diamond cut.
Round cut diamonds, it should be noted, are the only ones that can achieve a grading of "Ideal." Other cuts, such as Princess, Asscher, or Emerald, will receive, at the highest, a grading of "Very Good." For diamonds that do not have AGS or GIA certifications, Amazon will calculate the cut based on the stone's depth, table percentages, symmetry and polish.

Ideal

A diamond described as Ideal represents the highest standards of cut, with only the top 3% of all diamonds falling in this category. An Ideal Cut diamond reflects nearly all the light that enters it and displays maximum brilliance and fire. For those who want the very best that money can buy, this is the cut to choose.

Very Good

A diamond described as Very Good reflects nearly as much light as an Ideal cut diamond, and represents approximately the top 15% of diamonds based on cut. The proportions may overlap with many of the proportions of an Ideal cut, with slight variations from the preferred range that allow the cutter to create a larger stone. A diamond with a Very Good cut has exceptional brilliance and is generally priced slightly lower than an Ideal cut diamond.

Good

A diamond described as Fair represents the top 35% of diamonds based on cut. Though it is still a quality cut, it reflects less light and displays less brilliance than a Good Cut diamond. Diamonds in this range are typically cut to maximize size over other factors.

Fair

A diamond described as Fair represents the top 35% of diamonds based on cut. Though it is still a quality cut, it reflects less light and displays less brilliance than a Good Cut diamond. Diamonds in this range are typically cut to maximize size over other factors.

Clarity

Illustration of clarity

No two diamonds are alike. A diamond's most distinguishing characteristics are its inclusions, marks that are often invisible to the naked eye. However, under a jeweler's magnifying loupe or microscope they can look like crystals, tiny rivers, or clouds. A diamond's clarity is determined by the presence or absence of inclusions--fewer inclusions mean better clarity--and how visible they are. The greater a diamond's clarity, the greater its brilliance and value. A diamond categorized as internally flawless will have no inclusions, but this is extremely rare.
Diamonds with very, very small inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2. Those with larger inclusions are considered lower-grade. Diamonds with inclusions that are visible with the naked eye are graded I1 to I2.

Color
Though diamonds come in a wide range of colors, colorless diamonds have traditionally been considered the most valuable. Most diamonds are graded on a scale using the letters of the alphabet, from D (colorless), the best grade, through Z (a light yellow). It is difficult for the untrained eye to notice such variations in color unless stones are being compared side by side. The comparatively rare colored diamonds are known as fancy-colored and are also quite valuable. They range in hue from the more common yellow (also graded Z+ on the alphabetic scale) to pink, blue, green, red, and even black and white.

Diamonds that are graded D, E, and F tend to be the most expensive because of their rarity. However, any diamond you buy should have a good balance of cut, color, and clarity, so as to impart the most brilliance and dazzle possible.

Carat
Illustration of carat weight

A diamond's weight is measured in carats, with one carat being equivalent to 100 points. You will often see a diamond referred to as a 3/4-carat stone or a 75-point diamond. Larger stones are often more highly valued, but size should not be the only consideration--high brilliance, which varies according to clarity, cut, and color grade, is highly desirable in a diamond.

Shape

Illustration of diamond shapes

The traditional round cut provides a combination of the best qualities a diamond can have. However, there are other shapes that can emphasize a diamond's different features. The choice of a shape is best based on personal taste and the design of the jewelry.
Care
Diamonds, as the hardest substance on earth, are resistant to damage. However, diamond jewelry is set in different metals, and care will vary from piece to piece. The girdle can be chipped by a hard blow, making a protective setting extremely important. Diamonds should be cleaned in a solution of one part ammonia to six parts water, using a gentle scrubbing brush to remove any dirt. It is a good idea to have them cleaned once a year by a professional jeweler, at which time the security of the setting can be checked as well. Diamond jewelry should be stored in a soft cloth pouch to ensure that the stone will not scratch other jewelry.Certification
A diamond certificate represents independent verification that the stone purchased has all the qualities of cut, color, clarity, shape, and weight expected. It is a further indication of the condition and value of that diamond as represented on our site. Such certificates are issued by several agencies employing highly trained gemologists and provide an unbiased and accurate evaluation of the diamond. These gemologists scrutinize each stone to analyze its dimensions, clarity, cut, color, finish, symmetry, and other details.
Diamonds purchased from the Amazon.com Collection may be certified by the American Gem Society Laboratories (www.agslab.com), the Gemological Institute of America (www.gia.org), or the International Gemological Institute (www.igiworldwide.com). The type of certificate provided will be noted in the product specifications of your jewelry purchase; if you do not see a certificate type noted, one will not be provided.
Our Diamond Policy
Amazon.com sources high-quality diamonds from some of the world's largest suppliers. All our diamond suppliers certify that to their best knowledge their product does not originate from conflict countries or other sources with links to criminal or terrorist activities. Only diamonds meeting our exacting criteria will make it into a finished piece of jewelry.More Questions?
Our diamond experts are on call Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. Call them toll-free at 1-866-423-5356.

(by : Amazon.com)

(Post : pom)

Round Cut Diamond 1 Carats Review

(Round, Good cut, 1.000 carats, G color, SI1 clarity)
From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: G
This diamond is in the upper range of near-colorless. The only way to see a very slight tint of color is when it is compared directly to a higher color grade by an expert grader. G color diamonds will appear dazzling bright white in the setting and represent an excellent balance of higher color and great value, as the price, depending on other quality factors, will be less than that of a D, E, or F color diamond.Color: H
Clarity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1 carats, I color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: I
This diamond is in the middle of the near-colorless range, with a slight tint of color apparent only with direct comparison to higher color grades. I color diamonds appear white in settings, and offer an excellent value for those who may want to maximize the size (or weight) of their diamond.
Carity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, I color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut : Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: I
This diamond is in the middle of the near-colorless range, with a slight tint of color apparent only with direct comparison to higher color grades. I color diamonds appear white in settings, and offer an excellent value for those who may want to maximize the size (or weight) of their diamond.
Carity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.000 carats, G color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: G
This diamond is in the upper range of near-colorless. The only way to see a very slight tint of color is when it is compared directly to a higher color grade by an expert grader. G color diamonds will appear dazzling bright white in the setting and represent an excellent balance of higher color and great value, as the price, depending on other quality factors, will be less than that of a D, E, or F color diamond.
Clarity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 1 carats, H color, SI2 clarity)
From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This iamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: H
This diamond is near-colorless and will only appear to have a slight tint of color if it is compared directly to a higher color grade. Diamonds with an H color grade can offer an outstanding value, as the diamond will appear a beautiful bright white in setting but will cost significantly less than a higher color grade, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: SI2
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion, it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity offer the best value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds and will be slightly lower in price than a comparable diamond with SI1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, D color, SI2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This mond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut
Color: D
This diamond has no tint of color, as D is the highest color grade. A completely colorless diamond can reflect all of the spectral colors most accurately and therefore is highly prized. Diamonds with this grade are extremely rare, and this will affect the diamond's overall value.
Clarity: SI2
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion, it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity offer the best value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds and will be slightly lower in price than a comparable diamond with SI1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 1 carats, D color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut
Color: D
This diamond has no tint of color, as D is the highest color grade. A completely colorless diamond can reflect all of the spectral colors most accurately and therefore is highly prized. Diamonds with this grade are extremely rare, and this will affect the diamond's overall value.
Clarity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 1 carats, E color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Very Good
This diamond is cut to exacting proportions that reflect almost as much light entering it as an Ideal cut. Diamonds with a Very Good cut grade represent a brilliant diamond at a lower price than a diamond with an Ideal cut grade.
Color: E
This diamond is considered colorless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D color, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a color grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D color, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 1 carats, F color, VS2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Very Good
This diamond is cut to exacting proportions that reflect almost as much light entering it as an Ideal cut. Diamonds with a Very Good cut grade represent a brilliant diamond at a lower price than a diamond with an Ideal cut grade.
Color: F
This diamond is considered colorless, with just a slight difference from a D or E color apparent only with direct comparison when the diamonds are unmounted. This diamond will appear beautifully colorless in the setting at a lower price than a D or E color, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: VS2
This diamond has a clarity grade of very slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with this clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, and feathers that are visible with some difficulty under 10 power magnification. With a clarity grade of VS2, there is no possibility of seeing any inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with this grade offer a beautiful clarity at a great value compared with VVS or IF diamonds and will be a slightly lower price than a diamond with VS1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, J color, SI2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: J
This diamond is in the near-colorless range and can begin to show a very slight tint of warmth in the setting, usually apparent only with direct comparison with a higher color grade. Because a J color diamond is the least expensive of the near-colorless spectrum, it can offer a very compelling value compared to higher color grades. This color grade is a great choice for someone who is not as sensitive to color differences and wants to maximize the size (or weight) of the diamond, or for someone who prefer a slightly warmer glow to the diamond.
Clarity: SI2
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion, it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity offer the best value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds and will be slightly lower in price than a comparable diamond with SI1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, J color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: J
This diamond is in the near-colorless range and can begin to show a very slight tint of warmth in the setting, usually apparent only with direct comparison with a higher color grade. Because a J color diamond is the least expensive of the near-colorless spectrum, it can offer a very compelling value compared to higher color grades. This color grade is a great choice for someone who is not as sensitive to color differences and wants to maximize the size (or weight) of the diamond, or for someone who prefer a slightly warmer glow to the diamond.
Clarity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, E color, SI1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: E
This diamond is considered colorless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D color, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a color grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D color, depending on other quality factors.
Carity: SI1
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the first degree. Diamonds with an SI1 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Although theoretically it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye, this is rare in an SI1 clarity grade and will depend on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion. Diamonds with this grade offer an excellent value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds.

Certified Diamond (Round, Very Good cut, 1 carats, G color, VS2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Very Good
This diamond is cut to exacting proportions that reflect almost as much light entering it as an Ideal cut. Diamonds with a Very Good cut grade represent a brilliant diamond at a lower price than a diamond with an Ideal cut grade.
Color: G
This diamond is in the upper range of near-colorless. The only way to see a very slight tint of color is when it is compared directly to a higher color grade by an expert grader. G color diamonds will appear dazzling bright white in the setting and represent an excellent balance of higher color and great value, as the price, depending on other quality factors, will be less than that of a D, E, or F color diamond.
Clarity: VS2
This diamond has a clarity grade of very slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with this clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, and feathers that are visible with some difficulty under 10 power magnification. With a clarity grade of VS2, there is no possibility of seeing any inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with this grade offer a beautiful clarity at a great value compared with VVS or IF diamonds and will be a slightly lower price than a diamond with VS1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, E color, SI2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: E
This diamond is considered colorless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D color, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a color grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D color, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: SI2
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion, it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity offer the best value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds and will be slightly lower in price than a comparable diamond with SI1 clarity.

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, E color, VVS1 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: E
This diamond is considered colorless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D color, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a color grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D color, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: VVS1
This diamond is very, very slightly included to the first degree, which means that there are minute inclusions that are very difficult to see under 10 power magnification by a trained gemologist. The average person would have to look at the diamond for a long time under magnification to discern the very tiny pinpoints or polish marks that distinguish this grade from IF. With a VVS1 clarity grade, there is no possibility of seeing any inclusion with the unaided eye. For someone who values purity in a diamond, this grade offers a very rare clarity at a lower price than FL or IF clarity grades, depending on other factors..

Certified Diamond (Round, Good cut, 1.00 carats, E color, SI2 clarity)From Amazon.com Collection
Cut: Good
This diamond might be slightly deeper or shallower, or have a slightly larger or smaller table facet compared to a diamond with an Ideal cut, probably resulting from the cutter striking a balance of cut and carat weight retention. Diamonds with a Good cut grade reflect the most light entering them and represent an excellent value.
Color: E
This diamond is considered colorless but may have a slightly different degree of transparency than a D color, which is only noticeable to an expert grader under laboratory conditions. Diamonds with a color grade of E are very rare. They appear a brilliant white in the setting and will cost slightly less than a D color, depending on other quality factors.
Clarity: SI2
This diamond has a clarity grade of slightly included to the second degree. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity grade have small inclusions such as pinpoints, included crystals, knots, clouds, and feathers that can be seen somewhat easily under power 10 magnification. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the inclusion, it may be possible to see an inclusion with the unaided eye. Diamonds with an SI2 clarity offer the best value compared with VS or VVS quality diamonds and will be slightly lower in price than a comparable diamond with SI1 clarity.
(by: Amazon)

Diamond Reviews

Diamond Information
There are a great many things to know about Diamonds and the Diamond Industry. By reading books and the information available on the Internet, you can learn a lot, but that still doesn't help you much in physically grading a Diamond or going through the Diamond buying process. Nonetheless, if you know the right things you can have better success rate in buying a Diamond for a fair price. Here is a shortlist of the things you need to know.
Diamond Buyer's Checklist
1. Learn as much as you can about Diamonds. Unless you feel that Dollar Bills are like so much paper, there are several thousand motivations to "know your stuff" about Diamonds.
2. Decide and write down, in order of importance, which of the 5C's are most important to you: Cost, Carat, Color, Clarity or Cut.
3. Once you know what you are looking for, physically visit jewelry stores. Identify a jeweler who is willing to spend some time with you showing you diamonds. Look at as many diamonds as you can that match your specs and budget. Make sure when comparing prices that you compare apples to apples. This can be more difficult than it sounds. For example, sometimes relatively minor differences in cut/proportions can have an impact on a stone's price and beauty. Most importantly, do NOT compare the price of a certified Diamond with the price of a Diamond which is not certified, or is only certified by an unknown Laboratory. You may be in for a surprise because the quality asserted by a no name lab may not match the quality asserted at a reputable lab. Which would translate into paying more money for something that is less than you thought it was.
4. Always ask for a certificate. There are several Independent Laboratories out there. The most well-known is GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. GIA has done a great service by providing the public with a metric to compare Diamonds and by extension Diamond prices from different suppliers / jewelers / dealers. AGS (American Gem Society) follows the guidelines set by the GIA when they issue their certificate, as do all reputable labs. Nonetheless, if you don't know the rules of the game, even a lab report may not help you. For example, as mentioned in one of our articles, you should be aware of the difference between an appraisal by a G.G. (GIA Gemologist) as opposed to a report issued by GIA GTL (Gem Trade Lab). Many people believe they have a GIA-backed report when in fact all they have is a report written by a graduate of the school, which is a different branch of the organization.
5. The Rapaport Diamond Report (Rap Sheet). There is a standard report of Diamond Prices known as the Rap Sheet. This officially lists high wholesale diamond prices in the NY market. The reality is that usually wholesalers speak to each other about prices in terms of the percentage discount to the Rap Sheet. How much of a discount to Rap? It really depends on the quality of Diamond you are looking for. On the wholesale market, Diamonds of some qualities are sold at a deeper discount to Rap than other qualities. There are market fluctuations which change according to supply and demand. The best way to know prices for the specific Diamond you are looking for is to shop around for a Certified Diamond of a quality range you desire, within your budget.
6. Don't pay a premium for one of the C's only to turn around and get low quality in another C. While there are exceptions to this rule, for example if you are getting a great price, why would you pay a premium for a branded ideal cut diamond and then get a low color or clarity? Save some money on the brand name and upgrade the other C(s).
7. Is it safe to buy a Diamond on the Internet? Definitely. When this tutorial was first written, there were many caveats. But these days there are so many choices and jewelers with a good track record, that you can watch the process as other consumers purchase and get a pretty good idea of what to expect. Also, just because you found a good supplier on the Internet, it doesn't mean you can't make an effort to visit them in person. Of course sometimes distances make it impractical.
The best advice for an Internet purchase is:
*Select a reputable jeweler
*Choose a Diamond that carries a GIA report
*Make sure you can work with the return policy
*Have an independent appraiser picked out who will verify that the Diamond matches the certificate.
One important warning about selecting an appraiser. Make sure the appraiser is not closely tied financially or openly associated with other vendors nor one that sells jewelry themselves. They may just try to make you feel bad about the purchase in order to get a commission or sale for themselves. Since most of the business an appraiser gets comes from referrals by jewelers, many appraisers consider the jeweler a better "customer" than you who are actually cutting them a check. The sad economics of appraising causes a conflict of interest far more often than you might expect.
(By : www.diamondring.com)